Elise Stefanik, the U.S. Representative from New York, recently ended her campaign for governor and announced she will not seek reelection to her House seat. According to amNew York, this decision came abruptly in December, just over a month after she entered the race, citing personal and strategic reasons amid expectations of a tough year for Republicans and a potential blue wave in congressional and state races. Politico reports that her withdrawal opened the door for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who quickly gained the endorsement of President Donald Trump.
Stefanik's move reflects broader shifts in New York politics as 2026 approaches. Am New York notes that observers see it as a sign of challenging conditions for the GOP, boosting Blakeman's bid against Governor Kathy Hochul. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency highlights Blakeman as the first Jewish county executive of Nassau County, positioning him as a hawkish pro-Israel candidate contrasting with Democratic contenders.
Earlier, Stefanik clashed publicly with House Speaker Mike Johnson over a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act. AOL News, citing Politico, details how she accused Johnson of protecting the deep state by potentially stripping a measure requiring congressional disclosure for FBI counterintelligence probes into presidential and federal candidates. President Trump mediated a phone call between them, leading Stefanik to declare victory on social media, stating the provision would be included in the bill.
These developments underscore Stefanik's influence in Republican circles, even as she steps back from higher office. The Daily Caller reports she serves on Johnson's leadership team and has been vocal against intelligence community overreach.
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